DADDY ISSUES AS NATIONAL STYLE
That early slap is not a side note. If the only real “no” you learn is violent and shaming, you grow up thinking:
– Limits = humiliation.
– Compromise = weakness.
– Losing = being hit.
Give that man power and every check; court ruling, critical article, electoral loss; lands like another hand across the face. Of course he rages. Of course he can’t lose gracefully. Of course everything is a “witch hunt” or “rigged.”
The bleak joke is how many people see this wounded, raging style and call it “strong leadership.” They’re not just choosing policies. They’re choosing an emotional posture: hurt people hurting people, wrapped in flags and slogans.